Day 1: Friday, 20-Sep-2024
Meeting Point: Rocky Ridge Cafe
Meeting Time: 6:30 am
Distance: 50 kms, Elevation Gain: 700 m
Your route for the day starts in the forests of Melagiri and winds its way to Jowalagiri and beyond, towards Chiguru Farm, the first homestay we'll be staying at on this tour. The terrain is comprised of rolling hills all through - you lose almost as much elevation as you gain over the 50 km. There is an exciting 4 km off-road section on this route, deep in the interiors of the countryside near Dekanikottai, with unhindered views of this pretty region. Then, as you approach Jowalagiri, you will see endless patches of nurseries on either side of the road. The bright and colourful nurseries are only overshadowed by the welcoming warmth and colourful garb of those who work there. You end the day with a delicious homecooked meal at Chiguru farm and stay there for the night.

Day 2: Saturday, 21-Sep-2024
Distance: 60 kms, Elevation Gain: 500 m
Wake up early to catch a sunrise from the farm, and prepare for an exciting day while sipping on your choice of hot beverages. The ride for the day begins with a descent down to the expanse of a reservoir, set against thickly forested hills. You will stop here for a short while to marvel at the glistening waters and natural beauty around. Then, the route deviates into the interiors of the region, running parallel to the Bannerghatta National Park, and soon turns into a narrow mud and gravel track that runs beside and at times over a little stream. About 25% of your journey for the day is on such trails, making it harder while bikepacking but also so much more satisfying as you are surrounded by natural splendour, away from the bustle and traffic of big towns. You will then hit some tarmac for a while as you ride to the edge of the largest lake in the region. The route then joins another pristine trail that will take you up close to the Arkavathi river and reservoir, with their many shades of blue in view. This trail beside the riverbank is one of our new favourites! We stay at Backyard Camp for the night, glamping in their lovely little farm situated beside a lake.

Day 3: Sunday, 22-Sep-2024
Distance: 75-90 kms, Elevation Gain: 1000-1300 m
The last day of the tour is all about the forests of the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary. Big chunks of the route for the day will take you on the fringes of these magnificent forests and sometimes through them. This is also the toughest ride of this bikepacking tour as you will complete 2 climbs, one about 9 km long and the other about 7 km long. The climbs will take your breath away, partly for the effort, but mostly for the magical beauty and silence of these forests. You know what they say - you have to lose yourself to find yourself - these routes give you an opportunity to do just that. It's truly a meditative experience. You will end the tour back at Rocky Ridge, and stay the night there before transiting back to the city the next morning.